Del Norte County Grand Jury releases extensive report

The Del Norte County Grand Jury released a special report that looked into several county government agencies and service providers. The report covers investigations and inquiries from 2014-2015.

The Del Norte Solid Waste Authority is the first entity in the booklet and the largest section in the book at 13 pages. In the introduction, the Grand Jury noted the reasoning behind the investigation, citing numerous newspaper articles about the possible termination of the Joint Powers Agreement between Crescent City, Del Norte County, and a possible sale of the transfer station.

The report included the history of the transfer station, audits, and staffing reports. In conclusion, the Grand Jury found, “the level of bias demonstrated in many board decisions, the high degree of discord between the solid waste authority and its staff, and their pattern of disregard for the wishes and well-being of the public are unacceptable for our community.”

The report on the Del Norte Solid Waste Authority closed with 14 recommendations.

Another report focused on the 911 Emergency calls and Dispatch Facility. According to the report, a former Del Norte County Sheriff suggested the investigation, with a particular focus on the number of 911 lines that serve the county. The Grand Jury interviewed local emergency service personnel, and surrounding sheriff’s departments. In the investigation, the Grand Jury found the dispatch center did not have enough staff. They recommend the center hire more dispatchers, and increase the budget, among others.

The report also covered Pelican Bay State Prison, the Del Norte County Jail, and Klamath Fire Protection District.

The full report is available for free at the Del Norte County Recorder’s Office.

June 19, 2015

KRCRTV.com

By Natalie Weber